Understanding God’s Holiness, Love, and Wisdom in Everyday Language
When people say “God hates evil,” it might sound harsh at first. But in the big picture of the Bible and religious teachings, this isn’t about God being angry in a personal or petty way. Instead, it’s really about who God is: perfectly good, totally pure, and always loving what’s right.
God’s Nature: Perfect Goodness
The Bible teaches that God is completely holy—that means He’s set apart from anything wrong, dishonest, or hurtful. Think of it like a room filled with bright, pure light: darkness simply can’t stick around. In the same way, evil can’t exist where God is, because it goes against everything He stands for.
Love for What’s Right
God doesn’t just dislike evil; He loves what is good, fair, and kind. His “hatred” of evil is really the flip side of His deep love for goodness. It’s like a gardener who loves healthy plants and can’t stand weeds, not out of spite, but because weeds choke out the life and beauty in the garden.
God’s Separation from Evil
Because God is so good, He can’t allow evil to be close to Him. The Bible includes verses—like Psalm 5:5 and Psalm 11:5—that say God isn’t pleased with wickedness and will judge it. But this is not about wanting to get back at people; it’s about standing up for what’s right and refusing to let hurtful things have the last word.
God Hates Evil—But Loves People
Here’s something important: While God hates evil, He doesn’t hate people. Even those who do wrong are still loved by God. The story of Jonah and the people of Nineveh shows this. God sent Jonah to warn them, not to destroy them, but to give them a chance to change. God always wants people to turn away from bad choices and find forgiveness.
Wisdom and Happiness in God’s Ways (Psalm 8:12-21)
The Bible offers another angle in Psalm 8:12-21 (sometimes listed as Proverbs 8:12-21). It talks about wisdom—often described as Christ Himself, the source of all knowledge and understanding. All the skill and sense we have ultimately come from God. While people sometimes invent ways that lead to trouble, God has made a way for us to be restored: through the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
God hates things like pride, arrogance, and stubbornness because they keep us from listening to good advice or accepting help. Real religion, at its heart, means seeking God honestly, welcoming His guidance, and finding true happiness in the process. The Bible promises that those who love God and seek Him sincerely will find more than money or fame—they’ll find deep joy and a sense of purpose that lasts forever.
What Does This Mean for Us?
· If you feel weighed down by what’s wrong in the world (or in yourself), remember that God wants to get rid of evil, not you. His goal is to heal, restore, and invite us into something better.
· God’s wisdom is available to everyone. We’re encouraged to seek it early and earnestly—as a top priority, not as a last resort.
· Those who love God and follow His ways will find a happiness that isn’t tied to wealth or success, but to knowing and walking with Him.
· God’s promises aren’t just for this life, but for eternity. The good that comes from following His wisdom is more valuable than gold.
In the end, God’s hatred of evil is really a sign of His love—for what’s good, for justice, and for us. He wants everyone to experience true wisdom and happiness. And through Christ, He’s made a way for us to leave behind what’s harmful and step into a life that’s full of meaning, hope, and grace.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 